(Jesus said) "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our international ministry centers to write our Sunday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.

In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

This Bible passage is one of the famous teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Almost every Christian knows this verse very well. The reason for that is this verse is simple, but it still has a deep meaning. Jesus tells us that Christians are called to be the light of this world. They are summoned from the darkness to shine their light and show their faith through their deeds. Indeed, the purpose of living as a Christian is to glorify our Lord through each aspect of our life.

In 2008 a young Hindu student from a central province enrolled in our Bible Correspondence Course. He completed it within a few months time.

Not only did he complete the course, he also found answers for his spiritual questions. His studies helped him to understand many of the fundamental teachings of the Bible. By the Holy Spirit's power, he became a Christian and began to proclaim the Gospel to his friends and relatives.

As of this writing, he has introduced our Bible lessons to more than 100 people. In many ways he helps share the Gospel message with school children in the Nuwara Eliya area.

The Lord has brought about a huge transformation in his life.

Today he is a living witness, testifying how Jesus can bring change to a person who has been living in the darkness. If the Lord wishes, this young man will become a pastor one day and serve the Lord as an undershepherd of the Lord's flock.

From personal experience he will teach that "The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world" (John 1:9).

He will let others know that it is only by God's grace we receive the light of the Lord.

My friends, we are living in a time and place where it seems as if everything is going wrong. Our days may look dark, and we may be tempted to think there is no hope. It is precisely at such times we need to remember that God's "Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105).

We can be confident God's Word is leading our daily lives and can dispel problems and challenges. We can be sure that Jesus Christ is there to help us, and although we sinful humans may not always keep our word and promises, He always will.

All of this leads me to ask, in our daily lives are we showing our light to others? Can others see Christ through our lives today? If your answer to those questions is not as solid as you might wish, I encourage you to spend a few minutes in prayer. Ask God to help you remember that the loving Lord who gave His only Son Jesus Christ to die for us -- in our place -- can make us shine before others.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Words which we have heard today. Lord help us shine for You in this world and help us live a life which glorifies Your Name. In Jesus' Name! Amen.

Biography of Author: The author of today's devotion is Mr. Sathiyabalan who has served as director for the Sri Lankan office of Lutheran Hour Ministries since it opened in 2001. Over the years hundreds of non-Christians have been reached by our programs, amongst which are Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) in Sinhalese, Tamil and English languages; Equipping the Saints (ETS) workshops, youth gatherings, and special events in fellowship with local congregations.

In this island nation of more than 20 million people off the southern tip of India, Lutheran Hour Ministries-Sri Lanka is known as Lanka Hope Media. Established in Colombo, this ministry center relies on staff and volunteers to distribute Gospel-related material to thousands, employing literature displays and rallies. Using BCCs in Sinhalese and Tamil, LHM-Sri Lanka teaches people essential truths of Scripture they can use in their everyday lives. Additionally, puppet shows, youth-oriented concerts, and video screenings are used to promote Bible courses, and devotional songs and short sermons are offered. Equipping the Saints workshops are used to strengthen local groups of believers and help foster outreach efforts. A special Christmas film/music program reaches the often uneducated children of tea plantation workers. Use of the Internet and e-mail are helping this ministry center share the Gospel as this technology is becoming more widely available throughout the country. To connect with people on cell phones, automated messaging is proving helpful in reaching the unchurched.

To see more of what's going on in Sri Lanka, by click here to visit its blog.


To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhm.org/international.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 29-30    Acts 19:21-41

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